Generally spherical topy having features formed on its surface, related methods, and product packaging for same

ABSTRACT

A generally spherical toy, such as a ball, having one or more features or characteristics formed on its surface such that when it is rolled on a surface, the features impart a generally erratic motion to the toy. The weight of the toy, as well as the center of gravity, can also be manipulated to further impart erratic movement to the toy. The invention also includes a method of collecting and/or trading one or more of a plurality of generally spherical toys each having one or more features or characteristics formed on its surface. In furtherance of the method of collecting and/or trading, it is also contemplated that the packaging of the generally spherical toys can include one or more compartments that conceal the identity of one or more of the toys in the package, so as to promote the random nature of their distribution.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/592,044. filed on Jul. 28, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to toys and more particularly to generally-spherically shaped toys, such as a ball, having one or more features or characteristics, such as physical features of an animal or person, formed on the surface of the toy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A generally spherical toy, such as a ball, having one or more features or characteristics formed on its surface such that when it is rolled on a surface, the features impart a generally erratic motion to the toy. The weight of the toy, as well as the center of gravity, can also be manipulated to further impart erratic movement to the toy. The invention also includes a method of collecting and/or trading one or more of a plurality of generally spherical toys each having one or more features or characteristics formed on its surface. In furtherance of the method of collecting and/or trading, it is also contemplated that the packaging of the generally spherical toys can include one or more compartments that conceal the identity of one or more of the toys in the package, so as to promote the random nature of their distribution.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, a generally spherical toy is provided having features formed on its surface, wherein the toy is made of a solid resilient material to impart weight to the toy. The formed features and the weight contribute together to impart generally erratic movement to the toy when it is rolled on a surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, the toy further comprises at least one weight embedded therein to facilitate the erratic movement of the toy.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a generally spherical toy is provided having features formed on its surface, wherein the toy is formed such that its center of gravity is skewed from a normal center of gravity associated with the generally spherical toy. The formed features and the skewed center of gravity contribute together to impart generally erratic movement to the toy when it is rolled on a surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, the features formed on the surface of the toy define an animal, person, fictitious character, monster, dinosaur, robot, or any other form imaginable.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of collecting and trading a plurality of generally spherical toys each having features formed on its surface and capable of erratic movement when rolled on a surface is contemplated. The features of each toy define an identity of the toy. The method comprises the steps of obtaining at least one of the plurality of spherical toys having the identity associated therewith either through purchase or trade; and adding the obtained spherical toy to an existing collection of spherical toys.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a packaging arrangement for a plurality of spherical toys having features formed on their surface is provided. The features of each toy define an identity of the toy. The packaging arrangement includes at least one compartment that conceals the identity of at least one of the plurality of spherical toys from the consumer until it is removed from the compartment, thereby promoting randomness to collecting of the spherical toys.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the specification provided herein, including the written description, drawings, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a generally spherical toy in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of a grouping or series of characters in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a photograph of an embodiment of a package in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is capable of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, one or more specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to these specific embodiments.

The present invention is directed to toys in general, and more particularly to a generally spherical toy, such as a ball, having one or more features or characteristics formed on the surface of the toy, such as the ball shown in FIG. 1. The features may be formed in relief on the surface of the ball, or may be formed to extend from the surface of the ball. The features are preferably in the form of physical features of an animal, person or other creature, such as, for example, facial features. The ball and its features can be painted using one or more colors to enhance the features on the ball. The features may be formed on the surface of the ball such that they impart generally erratic movement to the ball when it is rolled on a surface. The features create an uneven surface that helps impart the erratic movement. The formed features can also be used to alter the center of gravity of the toy to further aid in the erratic movement. The ball can be played with, and/or traded/collected.

Preferably, the ball is formed by conventional molding techniques and comprises a resilient material, such as a rubber material or a polymer material that exhibits resilient properties. Preferably, the material is similar to that used for toy balls known in the art as “super balls.” Preferably, the ball is molded in a solid form, not hollow, to give it a heavier weight. Additionally, certain polymers can be selected to give the toy additional weight. In such an embodiment, the relatively heavy weight of the ball enhances erratic movements exhibited by the ball when it is rolled across a surface. In another embodiment, one or more weights can be inserted into the ball to add weight as necessary to impart the desired feel and action to the ball. Preferably, one ore more weights are added during manufacture of the ball, such as during the molding process. The weight of the toy can be generally manipulated in many different ways to change or skew the center of gravity of the toy to further enhance its erratic movement. The center of gravity can be skewed from a normal or expected center of gravity for a similar shape made from a uniform material or without features formed within the surface.

Of course, it should be understood that the ball or other spherical toy may include any number and type of features or characteristics consistent with the principles of the present invention depending on its particular form. It is contemplated that the features of the ball or other spherical toy may take the form of one or more parts of an animal, person, fictitious character, monster, dinosaur, robot, or any other form imaginable. Any number of configurations is possible and would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The invention also includes a method of collecting and/or trading one or more of a plurality of generally spherical toys each having one or more features or characteristics formed on its surface. It is contemplated that features can be formed on the surface of the toy to create a particular character. Any number of characters can then be created to form a series or group of particular characters. Such groupings can facilitate collecting and/or trading amongst individuals. An example of a particular group of characters is illustrated in FIG. 2. These characters can also be assigned character names to further enhance the collectable aspects of these toys.

In furtherance of the method of collecting and/or trading, it is also contemplated that the packaging of the generally spherical toys can include one or more compartments that conceal the identity of one or more of the toys in the package, so as to promote the random nature of their distribution. An example of the packaging is shown in FIG. 3. These “mystery” compartments will prevent consumers from purchasing all of the stock of a particular character that may be deemed desirable or more difficult to obtain.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the packaging may include a compartment that allows the toy to be rolled within the package so that the movement of the toy can be exhibited before purchase. In a preferred embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 3, the compartment comprises a generally S-shaped “track” formed into a plastic component of the packaging that provides a track for the toy to roll within when the package is manipulated by a potential purchaser. If the spherical toy is provided with surface features and/or weighting that imparts erratic movement, this packaging will allow such movement to be exhibited while remaining within the package.

While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, numerous modifications may come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims. 

1. A generally spherical toy having features formed on its surface, the toy made of a solid resilient material to impart weight to the toy, the formed features and the weight contributing together to impart generally erratic movement to the toy when it is rolled on a surface.
 2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the features define a monster-like character.
 3. The toy of claim 1, further comprising at least one weight embedded therein to facilitate the erratic movement of the toy.
 4. A generally spherical toy having features formed on its surface, the toy being formed such that its center of gravity is skewed from a normal center of gravity associated with the generally spherical toy, the formed features and the skewed center of gravity contributing together to impart generally erratic movement to the toy when it is rolled on a surface.
 5. The toy of claim 4, wherein the features define a monster-like character.
 6. A method of collecting and trading a plurality of generally spherical toys each having features formed on its surface and capable of erratic movement when rolled on a surface, the features of each toy defining an identity of the toy, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining at least one of the plurality of spherical toys having the identity associated therewith either through purchase or trade; and adding the obtained spherical toy to an existing collection of spherical toys.
 7. A packaging arrangement for a plurality of spherical toys having features formed on their surface, the features of each toy defining an identity of the toy, the packaging arrangement including at least one compartment that conceals the identity of at least one of the plurality of spherical toys from the consumer until it is removed from the compartment, thereby promoting randomness to collecting of the spherical toys. 